98 contour svt 5sp trans problems

I am having problems shifting in thrid gear. I have to hold the cluch down for 2 seconds and then shift fron 2nd to 3rd or it will grind. What would be the best way to approach this? Is it a common problem? Was there a recall?

Common problem. No recall. Ford went from the dual blocker 3rd gear syncro to the single blocker 3rd gear syncro starting in 1998. You can try anding from Ford friction modifier additive which may help. If not, you'll either have to live with it or pull the trans and have it replaced.

yeah, sounds like the synro's not even there... you probably dont even need the clutch (or its basically not doing anything).

with high rev's/speed i bet it wont even go into third?
if the body is rust free, i would spend the money to replace ur 3rd gear syncro, but thats just me.